Author's Note: Sorry if it turned out bad. I'm having a headache now.

Masako POV

Assessing the circumstances, a frown formed on my face. Ayako had a panicked look and she gave me the impression that she wanted or rather needed me to take control of the situation.

Reluctance washed over me and my confidence faltered. I'm not sure if I can help Mai but I must stay strong for her. Mustering my courage, I switched places with Ayako and get ready to deal with Mai.

She clutched on my shirt, wailing. My heart twinge at the sound of it. I held her closer and buried her face on my shoulder. Her body shook violently and I realized she was shivering.

Luckily, I spotted her jacket nearby and grab for it. Then, I tried to wrap it around her body, hoping to relief her of the cold. It seemed that my effort worked as she was no longer trembling. I heaved a sigh.

"It's okay now Mai," I whispered as I brushed my palm against her shoulder, in a soothing gesture.

I heard two pair of footsteps, which I distinguished by the different sound they made, came closer. Mai had stopped crying but she sniffed as the aftermath of her sobbing.

I heard an almost inaudible,"Arigatou, Sa-chan."

She released her grip on my shirt and I retracted my arms, allowing her to get out of my embrace. Slowly, she raised her head and when I saw sadness in her eyes, I couldn't help but responding with the same sentiment.

Mai POV

Waking up from my stupor, I saw the grass green fabric infront of me. My sight blurred with tears and without thinking, I clutched tightly to the shirt. The owner of the said sweater hugged me.

I recognized the person as Masako since I knew her scent. Combination of Jasmine mint tea and her Rose perfume. She shifted suddenly and I found out that she covered my body using my Converse jacket. I appreciated the warmth she gave me and the calming motion as she brushed lightly against my shoulder.

After my tears dried up, I let go of her sweater. She understood my signal and released me from our hug. When I looked up at her, she noticed that I'm feeling soppy. She gave me a sad smile and backed away from my personal space.

Naru POV

I was about to order takeout when Matsuzaki-san frantically came into the restaurant. I shot her a questioning look but she held her hand up, indicating that I must wait until she regained her breath. When she did, she explained the matter in one single breath.

As she finished, she was, once again, out of breath. I left her to recover inside the restaurant and made my way out of the door. Takigawa-san must have overheard her since he also headed towards the SPR van.

By the time I reached there, I saw Hara-san holding Mai close. I believed she had attempted to keep Mai calm and she succeeded in doing so. I waited until they parted to ask about the reason of her outburst.

I opened my mouth to speak up when they finally released each other only to be interrupted by Takigawa.

"Daijoubu,Mai?"

Seriously, one of these days I might just lash out to anyone who cut me off. But when I saw her nodding her head, I felt some weight lifted from my chest. I almost let out a small smile. Working with the team, I guessed that I'm getting soft.

"I just had a dream of my distant past. Back when my parents were alive. Nothing pertinent to the case."

That statement was enough to silence all of us. It was a sensitive topic after all. Takigawa moved closer and hugged Mai in a brotherly way. They stayed in the posture for a few second before they pulled away from each other.